Melani Caron
During certain times of the year, there may be an increase in coyote sightings and interactions in Quail Creek. Coyotes tend to be reclusive and do their best to avoid humans. However, as they adapt to urban surroundings, coyotes become more comfortable around people and our homes. There are methods of keeping coyotes away, called hazing. Hazing helps to keep coyotes fearful of humans and deters them from lingering in neighborhoods and entering backyards and common spaces. Popular hazing methods are yelling while waving your arms, air horns, whistles, shaking a soda can with a few pennies inside, and spraying the coyote with a garden hose. If you are hiking, throwing rocks in the direction of a coyote, yelling, and making your body as big as possible are options.
While it is not normal behavior for a coyote to attack a human, it does happen. This rare occurrence usually happens when humans are feeding coyotes. Feeding coyotes in Pima County is illegal (ARS 13-2927) and punishable by a fine of up to $300.
It is rare for a coyote to have rabies, but if your pet is bitten by a coyote, seek care immediately. The wounds need to be thoroughly cleaned and a rabies booster and antibiotics administered. The same bite protocol goes for people as well. If a coyote bites you or a family member, wash the wound and seek immediate medical help.
Elimination of coyotes from the community is not feasible or permanent (new coyotes will move in). As a keystone species, their presence in Quail Creek has a significant impact on rodent, rabbit, bird, ground squirrel, and even insect populations. Coyotes maintain the balance in the food chain below and around them.
Coyotes are opportunists and not picky about what they eat. They eat seeds, cactus fruit, garbage, small animals (alive or dead), and, yes, pets, so it is important you know how best to protect your pets.
Walk your dog on a leash and have a firm grip. If you see a coyote, pick up your dog. When not possible, stand in front of your dog. Haze the coyote until it leaves. Never run from a coyote, as it may stimulate the coyote to chase.
Do not leave pets unsupervised in your yard. Coyotes have snatched small pets from backyards while the owners were present. It’s important to have hazing tools ready when you take your pet outside.
The Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) emphasizes that people often inadvertently create conflicts with wildlife by providing food, water, and shelter that attract them. Continued contact with non-threatening humans can make coyotes bold and uninhibited about being in residential areas. Do not intentionally feed wildlife. It is illegal to do so. If you witness someone feeding wildlife, you can report it to AZGFD by calling 800-352-0700.
Learn more about coyote biology and behavior, seasonal expectations, and coyote hazing and deterrents from projectcoyote.org and more about living with wildlife in general at the Arizona Game & Fish Department site at azgfd.com.